Epstein Barr Virus Positive Mucocutaneous Ulcer versus Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma: Challenges in Diagnosis

Abstract Introduction/Objective Epstein- Barr virus positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) is a clinicopathologic entity first identified in 2010. It occurs in patients with immunosuppression and presents as a well circumscribed ulceration on the oropharyngeal mucosa, skin or gastrointestinal tract. Infiltrates of atypical lymphoid cells that may have appearances similar to Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) or Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHL) are seen. Methods/Case Report A 41 year old male patient with history of HIV infection presented with hematochezia and rectal pain, underwent sigmoidoscopy and a large ulcerated mass was present at the anal verge. Polymorphic infiltrates of small lymphoid cells, eosinophils, granulocytes, plasma cells, histiocytes and scattered large atypical lymphoid cells, morphologically mimicking Reed-Sternberg cells were identified. The large atypical lymphoid cells were positive for CD30, MUM-1, BCL-6, EBER (EBV) and negative for CD3, CD15, CD20, CD45, CD79a, SOX-10. Based on lack of B-symptoms, no lymphadenopathy, superficial lesions, reduced CD4/CD8 ratio and specific location, EBVMCU was favored. Eight months later, he presented with night sweats, decreased appetite and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Lymph node excision displayed infiltrates of predominantly small lymphocytes, histiocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils. Foci of scattered large atypical cells morphologically compatible with Hodgkin/Reed Sternberg cells with focal necrosis were noted. The atypical cells were positive for CD30, PAX5 (weak), CD20 (subset), CD15 (focal), MUM-1 and EBV-EBER. CHL, Mixed Cellularity Subtype was diagnosed. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion As a newer entity, we don’t know if EBVMCU can co-exist with or progress to CHL/DLBCL. Therefore, EBVMCU patients should undergo vigilant screening.